 Botulinum
Toxin Therapy (marketed as Botox) for Wrinkle Correction
What is botulinum toxin?
Botulinum toxin blocks the release of acetylcholine, the substance
responsible for transmitting electrical impulses that make muscles
contract. In medicine, botulinum toxin is injected directly into
hyperactive muscles. It has been safely and effectively used for
treatment of squint and lid spasm since the early Eighties. It has
now become an important non-surgical treatment for spasmodic neck
muscles, writer's cramp, certain tremors, tics, multiple sclerosis,
cerebral palsy, spinal chord injuries, Parkinson's disease and facial
spasms.
How does botulinum toxin work?
Hyperactivity of the facial expression muscles often results in
the development of deep frown lines, forehead lines and/or crow's
feet. Injecting botulinum toxin into the affected area with a very
fine needle temporarily relaxes the underlying muscles responsible
for wrinkling, giving the face a more relaxed and pleasant appearance.
The wrinkles become smoother or disappear altogether. Botulinum
toxin cannot replace wrinkle correction methods such as collagen
implantation, fillers, laser peeling or fat transplantation when
these are necessary.
When and for how long does botulinum toxin work?
The initial effects of treatment become visible within 48 to 72
hours. The maximum effect is reached in about 1-2 weeks. The effects
of treatment generally lasts for 4-6 months. Re-treatment is then
required.
Am I suitable for Botox treatment?
The main exclusions for this treatment are pregnancy and breast
feeding. However at your initial consultation the doctor will discuss
your relevant medical history and decide whether you are suitable
for this treatment or may suggest an alternative. If you are suitable
and wish to go ahead with treatment this can be done at the first
appointment. With your consent photographs will be taken before
and after to monitor your response to treatment.
Prices for Botulinum Toxin:
£180 1 Area
£250 2 Areas
£300 3 Areas
VISTABEL® (From the makers of BOTOX)
VISTABEL® is approved in the UK for the treatment of glabellar
lines (frown lines between the eyebrows).
VISTABEL® contains a specially prepared naturally occurring
protein that originates from bacteria.
Although VISTABEL® is a new name, the purified protein it contains
has been used in clinical practice under the name BOTOX® for
more than 10 years. This extensive experience confirms the established
safety profile of treatment with VISTABEL®.
Other preparations are available to manage facial lines and you
should discuss the various treatments and their differences with
your doctor so that the effect you get is the one you want.
A minute quantity of VISTABEL® is injected into the muscles
that cause dynamic lines, for example frown lines. The injection
temporarily prevents nerve signals from reaching the muscle and,
as a result, the muscle relaxes. As the muscle relaxes, the skin
smoothes out.
Treatment can take as little as 10 minutes and most people return
to normal activities immediately afterwards.
The smoothing effect of the first treatment usually lasts for up
to 4 months.
VISTABEL® should only be injected by an experienced injector
who can make sure that the correct amount is injected in precisely
the right places. In this way the desired result with a natural
look can be achieved. |
